I love rose scented and flavored anything, and I love to make my own rosewater for a facial toner or to put in my tea or lemonade. In my opinion, roses make me feel luxurious and pampered...but my ex said the scent reminds him of older ladies. Hmmph. If you're like me, and want an inexpensive way to add a touch rose to your beauty or culinary routine, then you'll love this simple recipe!

Roses have so many health benefits, and rose hydrosol (flower water), or distilled rose water, has been used for centuries as a powerful astringent that helps to tighten pores, reduce redness and inflammation in the skin, helpmaintain the skin's pH balance, control excess oil, and aid in healing scars, cuts and wounds. The antioxidant properties of rose water help to strengthen skin cells and regenerate skin tissues. Also, the aroma of roses is said to be a powerful mood enhancer, ridding feelings of anxiety and promoting emotional well-being. Another bonus is the nourishing and moisturizing properties of rose water can enhance the quality of hair. It is known to treat mild scalp inflammation and get rid ofdandruff. Rosewater works wonders as a natural conditioner and revitalizes hair growth. I'm definitely going to try it in my hair!

There are two methods you can use to make your rosewater. First, make sure the roses you are using are organic or free from chemicals and be sure to rinse the petals off first.

Distilling:

Wild foraged or organically grown rose petals

Distilled or pure water

Ice cubes

Large pot with lid

Clean brick or stone

Tongs

Heat tolerable bowl (shallow with a wide mouth is ideal)

Glass vessel to store finished product (ideally dark colored)

Directions:

Step one: Gently remove the petals from your roses. Separate the petals from the stem and remove any stamen that may have been picked with the petals.

Step two: Place the clean brick down in the middle of your pot then place your bowl on top of the brick. *I used the metal coffee grind holder from my percolator, but anything that is heat safe will work.

Step three: Place rose petals into the pot around the brick, making sure not to place any in the bowl. Pour distilled water into the pot over the petals until it rises to the top of the brick.

Step four: Invert the lid of your pot. This will allow the steam to collect at the top and funnel down to the center of the lid allowing it to drop into the bowl. Place ice on top of the lid. This will encourage the steam to condense quickly and drop into the bowl.

Step five: Bring the water to a gentle boil then reduce heat to the lowest setting that allows the water to simmer for at least 20 minutes.

Step six: Carefully remove the lid, making sure the liquid from the ice cubes does not drip into your pot. Pour the rose hydrosol that has collected in the bowl into your glass vessel.

Best when stored in the refrigerator and can last up to 6 months.

This distilling method is the best way to get the purest product, but you can still make rosewater in a more simple and quicker fashion:

Start with clean, fresh rose petals

Place petals in a pot and pour one and a half cup of water in it.

Cover the saucepan with a lid and bring the water to a boil.

Once the water boils, lower the flame and allow the water to simmer and soak up the color and essence of the rose petals.

Ensure that the color on the petals have faded or become colorless.

This process should take about five minutes. Now, let the water cool completely.

Use a sieve to remove the rose petals and store the water in the container.

Once it is cooled down completely, put it in the refrigerator for about one week before you start using.

I poured the clear rose hydrosol into a spray bottle and added some witch hazel and a couple of drops of pure rose essential oil, which I'll use as a facial toner. With the colored rosewater that simmered in the pot, I'll add to beverages.